The Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning residents to be on their guard against rogue roofing firms currently operating in the city.
The warning follows a number of complaints about high-pressure sales tactics, misleading pricing, poor quality and unnecessary work.
Some of the complaints involve attempted follow-up fraud following roofing work done by rogue traders, for example callers pretending to be from the Council and demanding thousands more for unpaid tax, with threats of criminal damage if the money is not paid.
Some of the roofing work also relates to roof cleaning services and Coventry trading standards officers warn that certain practices, such as pressure washing, can actually damage tiles and lead to water entering the roof-space. Residents are being advised to do their homework before choosing a trader and to resist attempts to get them to agree to work on the spot.
Rogue traders rely on creating a combination of fear and pressure to persuade people to agree to work starting immediately before they can think about whether they really want the work done or what it should normally cost. It is also common for rogues to find additional work that they claim needs doing which can then see costs escalate significantly. Above all the advice is to never contract with a trader who calls at your door. It is your property, and you are in charge.
It is always good practice to obtain several quotes before agreeing to work and getting recommendations from people you trust.
If you feel vulnerable, then ask a family member or friend for support. Use the internet to research a trader beforehand – what do their reviews say about them?
If you have concerns at any point, it is well worth contacting the national Citizen’s Advice service, which will provide consumer advice tailored to your particular situation.
Citizen’s Advice share information with Trading Standards, who will investigate and where appropriate, prosecute rogue traders who mislead and deceive residents. If you feel threatened by the behaviour of a rogue trader, please call 999 immediately.